Overview & Reviews

One of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates, the Santa Fe is a car-based crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking the elevated ride height and useful cargo area of a traditional utility vehicle in an easy-to-drive package. Modern versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe are midsize with three rows of seating, quality cabin furnishings and user-friendly tech features. Whether you're shopping for a new or used Santa Fe, value is a big part of its appeal. The standard equipment list is generous, as is Hyundai's warranty coverage.

Earlier versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe range from compact to midsize in dimensions and have seating for five passengers. The 2007 and later models are a big step up in styling, performance and interior space, and they're worth considering if you're shopping for a used midsize crossover. Hyundai has since subdivided the Santa Fe line into two models: the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe. The latter is more luxurious than its predecessors, offering premium styling and plenty of power.

User Reviews:

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  No rear heat - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By cater2u - October 14 - 4:29 am

  I love this SUV....but there is an engineering flaw with the rear seat heating. The seats are heated, but the vents will only blow cold air from under the front seats. The manual even says that the heat is reduced in the rear, and to keep the rear side vents closed in the winter. You can get heat from the side vents, but cold air is always blowing on your toes. For a $37,000 SUV with every option, this should not happen. The dealer told me there was nothing they could do to fix it. My mileage in ECO Mode is 21 combined using winter gas. It should get better using summer gas. Hatchback is hard to open and is not assised very much. No power option or inside release. No memory seats.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tim Cassidy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my oldest sun to replace a 1999 Ford Escort. Wanted him to have something roomier and more substantial to take to college. As a freshman he couldnt bring it to school yet so weve been driving it. Everyone fights to drive this vehicle, even my wife who has a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXi. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone! Im thinking of buying a 2003 LX to replace my 1998 Volvo S70 T5.

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  Much better than expected - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By panophotog - October 10 - 2:53 pm

  Never thought Id buy a Hyundai (after many Toyotas, Hondas and recently Subarus), but the 2008 Santa Fe Ltd. had all the features, mpg, comfort and room I was looking for. Im getting 22 mpg average, and everything is rock solid after 3k miles. This car is *quiet* inside, and everything feels well thought out and well put together. The Ltd. has a great stereo, quality leather, all the options, and looks and feels like a Lexus EX. The CR-V and RAV4 are nice, but smaller and less comfortable - and they cut corners and it feels like it. The Santa Fe is less $, but nowhere does it feel cheap, and I continue to find things that make me say "hey, thats nice they thought of that."

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  Better than most - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By superz3161981 - October 10 - 3:43 am

  2003 Ford F250, 1999 Subaru, 1995 Isuzu, 1995 Honda, 2001 Honda, 2004 Honda, I can go on and on about cars and trucks Ive owned. This Hyundai however has to be the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who has a small (2,3,4) size family. Its good in and around the city and even when we take a trip from Daytona to Washington DC. Personally, Ive told my wife that I want a newer model 08,09,10,11,12,ect. I know this is the 1st so there are some minor flaws.

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  Best Affordable SUV - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Karakas - October 8 - 10:10 pm

  I got my Santa Fe in January 06, and have been driving it since then. It is free of maintenance and very comfortable SUV. I got aaround 19-20 MPG in city driving. It is probably the best SUV you can get wity your money. It has 4 disc ABS, 6 airbags, tiptronic transmission as standard options. I got mine for 21k $ and also included 6 disc CD changer. It is a very comfortable SUV and handles much better than most of the SUVs (wider). The back is very roomy as well compae to Jeep Liberty and any ofthe SUVS at its class. If you are looking for a non-expensive 4WD, Santa Fe is definitely the best you can buy.

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  Try it u will like it!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By nsvusa - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Warranty and 0% for 5 years did the trick. I can drive it for 5 years and not have any repair bills. Detroit can not match it. Fun to drive.

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  good warranty doesnt mean its reliable - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By drivergirl - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Have owned car 2 years and it has already been in the shop for major repair 2 times. Once I was stranded in a snowstorm when the alternator went out. The last shop trip was for a new transmission. Although the warranty covered everything, its a huge inconvenience to have a broken car. Why spend money on a new car that you cant depend on???

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  What an awesome SUV! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bowlsaurus - October 2 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV! For the price with all the standard luxury features and the smooth ride, it cant be beat. Combine that with an awesome warranty and youve got a killer steal!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jose - September 30 - 6:10 am

  This car has proven to be extremely fun to drive with an acceptable fuel consumption for a small SUV. Its standard model comes well equipped with a good AC, cd player, shiftronic and power mirrors/doors/windows.

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  great suv - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By chip - September 28 - 8:26 am

  This is a pretty good vehicle,we been avg.20 to 22 mph in city, it will proberly be more when the engine is broken in. Havent had it on the rode yet but I assume it will be better than the city. The santa fe is a great addition to our family. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.